--- title: "How To Say \"Um\" In Chinese (And Other Filler Words)" description: "Learn how to use filler words like \"um\" and \"uh\" in Chinese to sound even more like a native speaker. We'll have you um-ing and uh-ing in no time!" image: https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/hubfs/how-to-say-um-in-chinese.jpg --- [![chinese new logo-1](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/hubfs/chinese%20new%20logo-1.jpg)](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-culture?hsLang=en) - Culture and Lifestyle - [Chinese Culture](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-culture?hsLang=en) - [Chinese Fun Facts](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-fun-facts?hsLang=en) - Chinese Proficiency Exams - [HSK](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/hsk-exam?hsLang=en) - TOCFL - [AP Chinese](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/ap-chinese-exam-preparation?hsLang=en) - Chinese Learning - [Learning Tips](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips) - [Chinese for Kids](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-for-kids?hsLang=en) - [Chinese for Business](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-for-business?hsLang=en) # How To Say "Um" In Chinese (And Other Filler Words) Learn how to use filler words like "um" and "uh" in Chinese to sound even more like a native speaker. We'll have you um-ing and uh-ing in no time! [Sara Lynn Hua](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips/author/sara-lynn-hua) Oct 20, 2015 --- n Monday, we posted an article on how to [write a formal letter](http://www.tutorming.com/blog/index.php/the-anatomy-of-a-chinese-business-letter/). Today, we’re going down a more colloquial route. When I speak to people in English, I tend to use a lot of filler words such as “Um...” and “Like...” while I gather my thoughts. Perhaps I’m not quite as eloquent as most people. For us, we say “那个” (nèi ge) to fill a pause. It’s the equivalent to “Um, uh, er, that is, that one,” etc. The problem with “那个” (pronounced “nay-ge” or “nah-ge”) as a filler word is that it sounds a little similar the N-word in English. The famous comedian, Russell Peters, [pointed this out in one of his standup shows](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfzorq4RH20). It is unfortunate that such a common word in the Chinese language can be so misunderstood in English. I’ve even had friends approach me and ask me why Chinese people were so obsessed with saying the “N-word.” No, we’re not trying to insult anyone, and no, we are not trying to emulate certain rap lyrics. We are simply filling an empty pause as we gather our thoughts. ### HERE ARE SOME OTHER COMMON FILLER WORDS: **“这个...” (zhè ge)** = “this” **“就是...” (jiù shì)** = “that is…” **“嗯...” (en)** =  “Um...” **“怎么说...” (zěn me shuō)** = “What is it / How do I say it…” ### HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE FILLER WORDS IN USE: > “What did you do yesterday?” > > “Um… I went to the dentist.” > > “那个... 我去看牙了。”   > “Let’s get Japanese food today, okay?” > > “Um… okay.” > > “嗯... 好啊。”   > “Where did you go last night? > > “I went to, um… what is it… KTV with some friends.” > > “我跟朋友去， 那个... 怎么说... 唱卡拉OK了。” It’s funny how learning to “um” and “uh” in a language can make you sound more like a native speaker. But if you think about it, this sentence would just sound odd: “Um… 我, like，去看牙了。” Obviously, when it comes to speaking a foreign language, we all want to sound as eloquent as possible. However, keep in mind that using the correct filler words may actually make you sound*more* fluent in the long haul. Of course, in order to become fluent, you need more than just the “um”-ing and “uh”-ing. Why not [take a session with TutorABC Chinese](http://www.tutorabcchinese.com/?__hstc=45788219.ea86d5bdf82786132899bc8bf4029a89.1661998921688.1661998921688.1661998921688.1&__hssc=45788219.1.1661998921688&__hsfp=1653342918&_ga=2.145340663.2115718916.1661998920-2064095563.1661998920)? Your first one is on the house. ### ABOUT TUTORABC Chinese *Founded in 2004, TutorABC Global, the parent company of TutorABC Chinese, created the first commercially available synchronous learning portal in the world. TutorABC Global offers [world class Chinese tutors](https://www.tutorabcchinese.com/site/teachers) at TutorABC Chinese. For English learning, it offers TutorABC, and tutorJr.*    ##### **Like this post? Join uS to learn more!**[![Book A Free 1-on-1 Chinese Class!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/566301/cfdcb86f-678f-4c38-9e8a-b2d8205a2f48.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/566301/cfdcb86f-678f-4c38-9e8a-b2d8205a2f48)**   ## Similar posts ### [Mandarin Chinese measure words: never get them wrong again (1)](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips/mandarin-chinese-measure-words-never-get-them-wrong-again-1?hsLang=en) There are a lot of measure words in Chinese, but don’t be afraid, commonly used ones are not so many. To learn measure words in Chinese, it is easier... Pierre Cerchiaro Feb 21, 2019 ### [7 MandoPop Songs To Help You Learn Chinese](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips/7-mandopop-songs-to-help-you-learn-chinese?hsLang=en) Did you know that you can improve your Chinese speaking skills by singing? Sing along to these 7 MandoPop songs, from artists like Wang LeeHom and... Leo Xia Oct 13, 2015 ### [7 Chinese songs that reached 100 million views on Youtube](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips/7-chinese-songs-that-reached-100-million-views-on-youtube?hsLang=en) Recently everyone is talking about KPOP, but Chinese songs are often underestimated. Listed below are seven Chinese songs that have reached 100... Pierre Cerchiaro Nov 22, 2018 ### Join our Chinese Learning Community! Explore the beauty of Chinese characters, and unravel the tapestry of traditions. 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